Take a Break
... without leaving the island!
No doubt you’re busily planning your next great overseas adventure, but why not take a mini-break in the meantime with a weekend staycation in Singapore? Here are a few great deals that are just a short taxi ride away.
FOR FAMILIES
What: “Great Fun-mily Escapade Package”
Where: Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square
Why: The kids will love this package, which includes staying in a themed room with adorable bedding, a teepee play tent, and children’s amenities packed into a mini-sized piece of luggage. If you can entice them from the room to the hotel’s lifestyle floor on Level 4, they can take part in a weekend treasure hunt, redeeming a special treat upon completion. Then, beat the heat with a refreshing dip in the pool – and don’t forget to grab some fun floats for extra fun. They’ll also enjoy a stroll through the Pan Pacific’s lush herb garden. Bath-time includes bathtub toys, child-sized bathrobes and bedroom slippers, and the whole family gets to wake up to a sumptuous breakfast buffet at Edge. If you find the time, there are plenty of shopping malls and fun sports and activity centres close to the hotel.
What else: Approach the concierge for packages to special attractions in Singapore.
FOR COUPLES
“Singapore Fling Weekend Staycation”
Where: The Westin Singapore, 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2
Why: Treat yourself to a very different weekend to your normal one, with the Singapore Fling staycation at The Westin. The views are key here: after taking in the stunning city skyline over a Singapore Sling at the Lobby Lounge (the package includes two of the island’s signature cocktails), you can bask in the tranquillity of the hotel’s infinity pool, overlooking the South China Sea. Then, unwind and relax in the spacious guest room, whose signature Heavenly Bed will likely deliver the best sleep you’ve had in ages. Breakfast for two at Seasonal Tastes is also included in the deal, which starts from S$588 for a two-night weekend stay.
What else: Make your stay more exclusive with access to the Westin Club Lounge when you book a three-night stay from S$888.
What:
For reservations, visit thewestinsingapore.com or email reservations.singapore3@westin.com.
FOR TRAVEL LOVERS
What: “Stay, Shop, Play! Package”
Where: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, 75 Airport Boulevard, #01-01
Why: This package is available from $260 per night and includes a stay in one of the Crowne Plaza’s Runway View rooms – great for planespotting! – or a Deluxe room, with a stunning view of the iconic Jewel Changi Airport. Speaking of Jewel, you’ll also get tickets for two adults and one child (3-12 years) to the centre’s recreation wonderland, Canopy Park, including access to the Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden and Topiary Walk. In addition, Stay, Shop, Play! includes buffet breakfast at Azur for two adults, free 24-hour parking at Changi Airport Terminal 3 Car Park, free Wi-Fi, and 4pm checkout, if available. Rooms come with separate soaking tubs and walk-in rainfall showers, while the hotel has a resort-style pool and the Essence Vale Spa for a spot of rejuvenation.
For reservations, contact 6823 5388 or reservations.cpca@ihg.com, or book online at changiairport.crowneplaza.com.
The key dates
14-16 April: Laos New Year. Celebrations can last for more than a week; be prepared to be soaked as throwing perfumed water is part of the festivities.
2 Dec: Lao National Day. Celebrating the victory of the proletariat in 1975.
The hotspots
Popular destinations include Luang Prabang, Vientiane, the Plain of Jars, and Pakse. There are two World Heritage Sites: Luang Prabang town and the Vat Phou Champasak temple complex.
The health advice
Unexploded mines and ordnance are a hazard in Laos, and kill around 300 people each year. Don’t stray off main routes in rural areas, and don’t pick up metal objects. Also, infectious diseases are common and serious outbreaks occur from time to time. Wash hands often, wash food when possible and drink bottled water.
While you’re there, please don’t…
• Forget the deodorant. Personal cleanliness is valued highly in Laos, so anyone with strong body odour will not make themselves popular.
• Show too much skin – Laotians dress conservatively, and will swim in rivers and waterfalls with at least shorts and a t-shirt on.
• Haggle too hard; remember, what’s 50c for you is much more for them.
Before you go, read…
The River’s Tale: A Year on the Mekong by Edward Gargan: the personal tale of a year-long journey along the nearly 3,000 miles of the Mekong River, from Tibet to the South China Sea.
Before you go, watch…
The Betrayal – Nerakhoon: an Academy Awardnominated documentary about a Laotian family’s struggles to assimilate into American life.
Before heading home, buy...
Lao silk, local crafts and beauty items; look for shops selling local, authentic, fair-trade products.